Professional Drivers

Getting a traffic ticket happens to many, but for professional drivers, the consequences can be much more significant. Mistakes in the driving profession carry heavier penalties and may lead to long-term consequences that can jeopardize a driver’s livelihood.

Instead of accepting the incident as inevitable, it’s vital to maintain a clean driving record. If you’ve been cited for a traffic violation, it’s crucial to consult an experienced criminal attorney without delay.

At Logue Law Group, our team includes competent and experienced defense attorneys who have successfully handled numerous CDL (commercial driving license) cases. Their expertise can pave the way to reducing or dismissing the charges you face.

Investing in a professional Weirton criminal lawyer could save you from future financial burdens, such as high insurance premiums and hefty fines, and prevent irreparable damage to your career.

Rules for Commercial and Professional Drivers

Violating traffic regulations can have significant repercussions for commercial drivers. This might include fines, points added to your driving record, and penalties that lead to higher insurance premiums. Additionally, accumulated points may result in license suspension, a particularly devastating outcome for those reliant on driving for income.

Notification Requirements

Under the law, CDL holders in Weirton must notify both their employer and the West Virginia Department of Transportation within 30 days of receiving a traffic violation, even if the offense occurs in another state. This adherence is crucial for avoiding further penalties.

Penalties for Traffic Violations

If you are charged with traffic violations, the penalties can escalate quickly, resulting in severe consequences for your career. Below are some instances where PennDOT would suspend your CDL for at least one year for a first offense:

• Driving a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) with a suspended, revoked, or canceled CDL
• Using a CMV to commit a felony
• Fleeing an accident scene without reporting it
• Damaging unoccupied vehicles or property with a CMV
• Being involved in an accident that causes injury or death while operating a CMV
• Operating a CMV under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances
• Driving a CMV with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.04% or more, which is half the legal limit in West Virginia
• Refusing to submit to a blood alcohol test

For any second offense, the penalties become more severe, potentially resulting in a lifetime suspension of your professional driver’s license.

Meanwhile, if you’re transporting hazardous materials and found guilty of any listed violations, the first offense alone can lead to a CDL suspension for three years. Ensuring compliance with all laws becomes imperative in such situations. If faced with a ticket, don’t hesitate to contact a Weirton DUI attorney to guide you.

Further Consequences for Multiple Violations

For professional drivers in Weirton, two serious offenses within three years will result in a 60-day license suspension. If three serious offenses accumulate within the same timeframe, the license suspension increases to 120 days.

Such violations can pose tremendous risks to your income and career stability, emphasizing the importance of maintaining compliance with traffic regulations. A Weirton criminal lawyer can help you mitigate these risks by addressing the charges early and effectively.

Out-of-State Violations

For those holding CDLs, a suspension in another state is not confined to the location of the offense. Information is accessible through the National Driving Register, a shared database that employers and local authorities can review. Once a license is suspended out of state, West Virginia will impose the same restrictions, and these infractions may tarnish your driving record—even minor offenses could have wider repercussions.

Professional Assistance from a Traffic Lawyer

When facing allegations of a traffic violation, it is essential to have an experienced traffic ticket lawyer from Weirton on your side. They can craft a robust defense strategy, ensuring the most favorable outcome and minimizing risks to your career.

Your livelihood should not be put in jeopardy because of a driving offense. Call a criminal lawyer as soon as possible if you receive a ticket.

For a free consultation with a skilled Weirton DUI attorney from Logue Law Group, contact us online or call 844.PITT.DUI anytime, day or night.

Logue Law Group is proud to serve clients in Weirton, as well as throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio.